Mike E. Winfield to perform at Vail Comedy Festival

The Vail Comedy Festival is back in Vail Village this Memorial Day weekend with 30 comedians flying in from around North America for the annual event. Mike E. Winfield has appeared on “America’s Got Talent” on NBC. Mark Masters, founder of the Vail Comedy Festival, caught up with him and asked some questions in advance of the event.

Have you ever performed in the Vail Valley?

This is my very first time performing in Vail Valley, and before this honestly, I’ve never even heard of the place so I’m very excited. I am one that is always looking for the new experience.

Do you have a favorite Colorado comedy memory? 

Yes, several years ago I was performing at a comedy club downtown in Denver and things were going incredible. After the show, this woman wearing all red, put her hand on my shoulders, looked me in the eye and said, “that was the funniest performance of any kind that I’ve ever seen.” That day, I realized that my love language was physical touch intertwined with words of affirmation.

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When you were on “America’s Got Talent” you said you’d been doing comedy 15 years. Have you been doing it over two decades now?  What keeps you excited about it?

Yes, I’m probably old. In comedy, I feel that you’re always learning something new so I never find myself content or even restless. I believe I’m a writer first and I just have this craving to share something no one has ever heard, but can somehow relate and I have a mortgage, so I officially have to continue.

What do you know about Vail Comedy Festival?

I know that I was invited, and there will be other headliners there, which really excites me because as a touring comedian, you’re seldom around other headliners. I know that everyone there is very wealthy and they have purchased a residence for me so I can stay and become their leader.

Any major events coming up?

I’m excited about a new dry bar comedy special that I have recently recorded being released. Also, this is major, but I’m losing patience and I think that is an incredible quality as an artist. I will be more frustrated, angrier and passionate on paper and potentially in my day to day life. This is very major especially if you know me, because for quite some time I’ve been the symbol of calm. I hate these people.

You live in California but tour nationally. How does Colorado compare to other markets?

Colorado is an incredible metropolitan area for stand-up. I have many fans here and a story or two that happened in some of the small towns. Once in Denver (not a small town), I was walking back to my comedy condo and there were so many people, even women walking barefoot holding their heels after they just finished partying, and someone was laying on the sidewalk after what looked like an exciting night. I remember not seeing him at first, then stepping directly over him. I thought my show was great, but maybe I should’ve considered other stops. 

How would you describe your comedy?

I think that is a better question for anyone else except me. What I am sure about is I found my own lane and I do something that I feel no one else is doing in the way I approach it. If you get it, that’s really great, and if you don’t, that is great as well. 

What is next for Mike E. Winfield?

I’m attempting sobriety and looking to head to Europe. I want to paint my walls in my garage and find some consistency on my podcast “StepFans and Chill.” 

Three-day festival passes are available for purchase at VailComedyFestival.com and allow access to dozens of events including comedy, magic, a movie screening and podcast live tapings. VIP passes include access to special events like a wine tasting with comedians at a private dining room in a Michelin recognized restaurant. Free family friendly magic shows happen again May 24 and 25 at the RocketFizz stage in Lionshead. Learn more at VailComedyFestival.com/Film.